Camp Russell offers a full Trail to First Class experience.  Our conservation and forestry area has won national awards. When Samuel T. Russell made his initial gift of land in 1918, he started a tradition that has lasted more than 90 years.  From an idea, Camp Russell has become one of the premier camps in the country camping more than 1000 youth each summer from communities all throughout the East.

BOY SCOUT BASE CAMP

Base Camp at Camp Russell is for Boy Scouts (ages 11-18 or grades 6-12) and runs for 5 weeks. Ith 6 one—week sessions, it’s a great opportunity for Scouts to work Merit Badges that cannot be completed at home. The camp’s adventure and placement programs give Scouts the opportunity to share great experiences with existing friends and make lots of new ones. 

CAMP PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

Programs:

• Conservation – Astronomy, Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife Management, Forestry, Geology, Mammal Studies, Nature, Soil and Water Conservation, and Weather
• Handi Craft – Basketry, Leatherworking, Wood Carving, and Photography
• Russell Rangers (1st year campers)
• Scout Craft – Backpacking, Cooking, First Aid, Camping, Hiking, Wilderness Survival, Indian Lore, Orienteering, and Pioneering
• Shooting Sports – Archery, Fishing and Fly Fishing, Rifle, Shotgun and Muzzle Loader Shooting
• Tech - Computers, Robotics, and Inventions
• Waterfront – Swimming, Canoeing, Lifesaving, Kayaking, Small Boat Sailing, Watersports, and the Famous Mile Swim
• Other – Climbing, Eagle Hour, Search and Rescue, and Scouting Heritage

Activities:

• BSA Lifeguard
• Climbing Tower
• Cracker Barrel
• Ice Cream Social
• Lumberjack Competition
• Mountain Boarding
• Open Swim & Boating
• Open Shooting
• Opening and Closing Campfires
• Paddle Craft Supervisor
• Water Carnival
• Waterfront Safety Supervisor
• Youth & Adult Leader Training

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Scout – 2nd Class

Russell Ranger Program, Mile Swim, Leave-No-Trace, Totin’ Chip, Firem’n Chit, Paul Bunyan, First Aid, CPR*

1st Class – Eagle

50 Miler, Merit Badges, Trek Base Programs, and World Conservation Award

 *All Scouts who participate in the Russell Ranger Program receive the Russell Ranger Patch

TREKS & OUTPOSTS

Treks & Outposts are great for older Scouts and entire troops.These hands-on experiences include camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, orienteering, GPS, and outdoor skills.  Scouting Go & Do programs like these focus on the challenge, rather than rank advancement or Merit Badges.

PROGRAMS

• Adirondack Outpost (4 days)
• Canoe Trek (3 or 5 days)*
• Conservation Outpost (4 days)
• Climbing & Caving Outpost (4 days)
• Day Tripper (1 day)
• Hike, Bike & Paddle Trek (5 days)*
• Northern Forest Canoe Trail (10 days)*
• Troop Tripper (1 day)
• White Water Adventure (1 day)**

*Refer to Trek Fees

** Basic Camp Fee plus $60.

 ADVENTURE WEEK

Adventure Week is a co-educational week where Boy Scouts, Venturers, and Explorers.This camp provides the opportunity to complete or start Awards and spend more time on Waterfront, Conservation and Shooting activities.  This session also has excursions to local sites and museums, such as the Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake and the Wildlife Center. 

Adventure Week has many activities not available at Base Camp including motor boating, scuba diving, snorkeling, and waterskiing.

CAMP SESSIONS

• Session 1: June 30 – July 6
• Session 2: July 7 - 13
• Session 3: July 14 - 20
• Session 4: July 21 – 27
• Session 5: July 28 – August 3
• Session 6 (Adventure Week):  August 4 – August 10

IN-COUNCIL FEES

Fees are waived for 2 Adult Leaders at Base Camp with 8+ paid Scouts per Troop. Out-of-Council Scouts at Base Camp, add $15 to fees.  All fees increase $15 after June 1st. 

Fees

• $315/Scout 
• $85/Leader
• $295/Scout Sibling

Special Trek Fees

• Canoe and Hike, Bike & Canoe Trek: $335/Scout or Leader
• Northern Forest Canoe Trail: $600/Scout or Leader

CAMP 411

Camp Accreditation

All of our camps are regulated by the New York State Department of Health and accredited by the Boy Scouts of America based on the organization’s National Camping Standards.

 Scholarships

Camp scholarships are available through Operation Sunshine sponsored by the Utica Observer Dispatch.  For an application, visit our Website at scoutingcny.org, call the Scout Service Center at (315) 735-4437.

Provisional Troop            

The Council has staff to accommodate a Scout wants to come to camp without leadership.

CONTACTS

For more information, please contact Rolland Miner, Camp Director at the Scout Service Center by calling (315) 735-4437.

Boy Scout Camping Brochure

 Year-Round Brochure

Operation Sunshine Form 2013

Boy Scout Resident Camp Registration

 2013 Camp Russell Leader's Guide

 2013 Merit Badge Worksheet

 2013 Unit Roster Worksheet

Boy Scout Camp Essentials Gear Bundles